FGS Members’ Handbook Updates
FGS Gardeners,
At the April 2026 board meeting, the Executive Board approved two updates to the Members' Handbook. Neither changes what we ask of members, but rather they clarify what we've always meant and fix language. The updated handbook is now live on the website.
"Community service hours" replaces "volunteer hours."
The 9-hour seasonal requirement has been a condition of membership in good standing, not an optional activity. "Volunteering" implies a choice. Calling it community service hours is more accurate -- it's the work that every member under 65 contributes to keep 7.5 acres of historic garden running with no paid staff. The requirement itself hasn't changed: still 9 hours, same exemptions, same activities, same enforcement, just a better name for what it's always been.
The proof of residency language is clearer and more equitable.
The old language named the Driver's License as the default form of residency proof, with everything else, including the Massachusetts State ID, treated as a fallback for people who "do not have a Driver's License." That framing made no sense. The RMV issues both documents, both show a current Boston address, and both are equally valid proof of residency. The new language presents an inclusive list: Driver's License, State ID, recent utility bill, bank or credit card statement, or another document acceptable to the Board. Any one of those satisfies the requirement.
Boston is a transit city. A lot of our members don't drive, and there's no good reason a non-driver should have had to justify their ID choice in the first place.
The updated Members' Handbook is available at https://fenwayvictorygardens.org/gardener-resources/members-handbook
If you have questions about either change, feel free to reach out at info@fenwayvictorygardens.org.